Just wanted to take a moment to wish all of you a happy Thanksgiving. It is always important never to take anything or anyone for granted. Last year my mother suffered a stroke that has limited her mobility, but I am thankful that she can walk with a cane and is mostly self-sufficient. I know several who have lost their mothers this past year.

Just this Monday, I was laid off from my position effective December 31. This after buying a house three years ago. Despite my sadness and uncertainty about the future, I have to be thankful that I do presently have a home and I will do what I can to keep it. One has to remember that things could be much worse. It is our duty to try to make situations better where we can and to learn and grow from adversity.

During these days, I have to remember there are people suffering all over the world and it behooves us to think about them not just during the holidays but everyday, to keep them in thoughts and prayers. I caught the movie "Hotel Rwanda" last week on cable and was reduced to tears watching the depiction of mankind's inhumanity to one another, to those not like themselves, but, at the same time, inspired by mankind's strength to survive.

So, let us be grateful for what we have and this is the day to reflect on that. So to all of you, a very, very Happy Thanksgiving.